Call Detail
Call for 2023 Mural Designs
Entry Deadline: 2/5/23
Application Closed
Work Sample Requirements
Images | Minimum:Min. 5, Maximum:Max. 5
Total Samples | Minimum:Min. 5, Maximum:Max. 5
Call Type: Public Art
Eligibility: National
State: Ohio

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

StreetSpark, a public art program in partnership with the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Community Foundation, was founded to further the creative identity in Hamilton, Ohio through exciting murals and public art projects. The program creates engagement by producing high quality art, providing opportunities for local artists and enhancing the visual appeal of the city. Since the summer of 2016, seventeen murals and fourteen utility boxes have been painted in a variety of styles. Each year, artists are invited to apply and the winning designs are chosen by a selection committee of art professionals and appreciators in our area.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

StreetSpark is looking for artists to design for two murals and three utility boxes to be painted during summer 2023. Mural applicants are asked to submit their qualifications by February 5th, 2023 after which semi-finalists will be chosen and asked to create final designs. Utility box applicants are asked to submit their finished designs by February 5th, 2023. All semi-final and final artists will receive stipends.

TIMELINE

Call to Artists ReleasedNovember 28, 2022
Virtual Q&A Session (optional)December 14, 2022, 1pm EST
RFQ for Murals Closed and Utility Box Designs DueFebruary 5, 2023
Semi-Final Mural Artists NotifiedFebruary 20, 2023
Mural Designs Due (Semi-Finalists Only)March 10, 2023
Final Designs Selected; Artists NotifiedMarch / April 2023
Murals and Utility Boxes PaintedSummer 2023
  
  

 

STIPENDS

  • Murals: A stipend of $300 will be paid to three (3) selected semi-final artists to develop design proposals for each site. A design stipend of $700 will be paid to one (1) final selected artist for each site. Artists will also be paid an additional amount (based on $25/hour) to lead each mural project with a team of artists during summer 2023. 
  • Utility Boxes: Each selected designer will receive a design stipend of $500 and an additional $500 payment for painting the utility box.
  • Cost of equipment, supplies and administrative services will be covered separately within the StreetSpark program budget.

QUESTIONS 

Application Requirements

SITE INFORMATION - Please use the links below to review information and templates for each site.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Mural Applicants - This is an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) and is the first of a two-step application process. After the RFQ closes, three semi-finalists will be chosen to develop designs for each site. Items needed for this application are:
    • Your current resume or CV (PDF or Word format)
    • Five (5) high-quality images of your previous artwork (JPEG format, 2-D work only)
    • One (1) reference letter relevant to your creative work experience
    • Simple black and white sketch (artists may submit 1-3 separate ideas) using line work only to suggest your proposed design concept (color/highly developed designs cannot be accepted at this stage) - download required template HERE
    • A written description about each proposed design concept (50-100 words)
    • Selection Criteria:
      • Art & Design Experience 
      • Quality of Artwork
      • Concept Sketch and Description

 

  • Utility Box Applicants - This is an RFP (Request for Proposals) where artists will submit finished designs and a finalist will be selected for each site.
    • Your current resume or CV (PDF or Word format)
    • Five (5) high-quality images of your previous artwork (JPEG format, 2-D work only)
    • 1-3 utility box designs for one or multiple sites (JPEG) - download required template HERE
    • A written description about each design image (150 words max)
    • Selection Criteria:
      • The design shows excellence in execution and artistic skill.
      • The concepts/ideas in the design show creativity and originality.
      • The proposed design enhances the community’s character and sense of place.
      • In the committee member's personal opinion, this is an excellent design.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  • Artists must choose ONE of two categories when submitting their application (Murals or Utility Boxes).
  • Only one design per artist per year may be selected.
  • Designs will be chosen by a Selection Committee comprised of artists, visual art professionals, community members and program partners who live within a 35-mile radius of Hamilton.
  • All work must be the artist's original design and not taken directly from copyrighted materials. Artists may take inspiration from imagery as a part of their designs, but it must be significantly altered and the artist's original concept.
  • If a design is selected, the chosen artist must abstain from submitting designs in the following year. This is to ensure opportunities for a variety of different designers as a part of the StreetSpark program. During their year off, designers will be invited to serve on our Design Selection Committee to help choose mural designs.
  • Applications/images must be submitted through this online form. Physical artwork will not be accepted.
  • Please review information specific to each site for design inspiration and any design requirements.
  • Artists are encouraged to visit and research the mural site to aid in site-sensitive design development.
  • The community’s character and sense of place should be considered when developing a design. It should also be able to stand alone as a relevant and interesting artwork that can evolve within a developing community.
  • All supplies, materials and equipment will be ordered and purchased by the StreetSpark Program. Lead artists will assist in this process.
  • StreetSpark reserves the right to not award the commission to any artist and to cancel or re-issue the call at any time.
  • Only the top applications will move on to be scored by the Design Selection Committee. Designs may be disqualified due to the following circumstances:
    • The artist’s application is incomplete or does not meet submission requirements.
    • The resolution of the submitted design image is too low and details cannot be clearly viewed when enlarged.
    • Design includes any imagery taken directly from another artist’s work or from any copyrighted imagery found online or elsewhere.
    • Design cannot clearly be executed using acrylic mural paint.
    • The design is inappropriate for display in an outdoor public place.
    • Design imagery contains direct advertisement of a product or company name associated with any artist or third party, any libelous or slanderous expression, or any obscene or pornographic content.

UTILITY BOX GUIDELINES

  • 50% of the utility box design must use LIGHT colors. This is to prevent overheating and damage to interior mechanics.
  • No spray painting of any kind may be used due to potential damage to vents and interior mechanics of utility box.
  • All handles, locks, hinges, lights, sensors, dials, meters and labels should remain UNPAINTED. This is very important to the function of these boxes.
  • Designs must be submitted using provided templates. Please double check to ensure you are using the correct template.
  • Selected artists will schedule their work days during the months of June or July with the Program Manager.
  • Individual artists or artist groups may submit designs.

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

  • Mural Applicants:
    • This category is intended for 18+ artists who have some mural painting experience.
    • If you do not have experience with murals but are interested in applying to help paint, a separate application will be released in January 2023.
  • Utility Box Applicants:
    • This category is intended for 18+ emerging artists, student artists, or artist groups but all artists may apply.
    • Groups may include those ages 14+ as long as the applicant and lead artist will be 18+ during the summer 2023 work.
    • Examples of groups are high schools (art teacher submission), college/university classes, art organizations, professional art clubs, artist teams/collaborations, etc.
  • Other:
    • All chosen artists must be available to paint during summer (June-August) 2023.
    • Artists of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the RFQ process.
    • We strongly encourage local artists to apply but artists may be from any geographic location. Any related travel and/or lodging expenses must be covered by the artist.